Acrylic composition and a curable coating composition including the same

ABSTRACT

An acrylic composition includes the reaction product of an acrylic polymer, a carbamate having anhydride-reactive functionality and carbamate functionality, and a carboxylic acid anhydride that is reactive with the carbamate to form a carboxylic acid carbamate. The acrylic polymer includes the reaction product of a functionalized monomer, a first compound reactive with the functionalized monomer to form a functionalized intermediate, and a highly branched, polyfunctional core molecule reactive with the functionalized intermediate. The first compound includes vinyl functionality reactive with the functionalized monomer and epoxy functionality. The carboxylic acid carbamate has the carbamate functionality and carboxylic acid functionality that is reactive with the acrylic polymer. The acrylic composition is highly-branched and, when used in coating compositions in combination with a suitable cross-linking agent, enhances recoat adhesion and produces cured films that have optimum scratch, mar, and chip performance, and acid etch resistance.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/793,528 and 10/861,061, which were filed on Mar. 4, 2004 and Jun. 4, 2004, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an acrylic composition. More particularly, the present invention relates to an acrylic composition that can be incorporated into a curable coating composition and then used in coating applications, such as an automotive coating application, to produce films that have suitable scratch, mar, and chip performance.

2. Description of the Related Art

Acrylic compositions and their use in a wide variety of coating applications are known in the art. In a curable coating composition, acrylic compositions, along with a suitable cross-linking agent, generally produce a film having good film properties, such as resistance to scratch, mar, and chip. Curable coating compositions that utilize acrylic compositions typically require solvents to dissolve or otherwise reduce the acrylic composition for processing and application purposes. Solvents are required primarily due to a high molecular weight and a correspondingly high viscosity for the acrylic composition.

Although the conventional acrylic compositions are generally inexpensive to prepare, these particular compositions with large proportions of non-functional alkyl acrylic monomers provide poor recoat adhesion due to the formation of pendant and non-functional acrylic chains during cure. These acrylic chains migrate toward an upper surface of a cured film of a coating composition having the conventional acrylic composition and inhibit the adhesion of coating compositions that are subsequently applied to the cured film. It is also known in the art that other properties of the cured film, including scratch and mar resistance, may be compromised when the coating composition includes the conventional acrylic composition due to the formation of the acrylic chains described above. Furthermore, the conventional acrylic compositions that do not include carbamate functionality for subsequent cross-linking with aminoplasts exhibit poor resistance to acid etch. As a result, cured film formed from the conventional acrylic compositions is susceptible to damage due to acid rain.

It is known that there is a movement toward utilizing acrylic compositions that have lower molecular weights so as to reduce the overall amount of solvents, i.e., volatile organic compounds (VOCs), required in the coating composition. However, it is also known that coating compositions that utilize conventional acrylic compositions with lower molecular weights produce films that have poorer film properties as evidenced by decreased scratch, mar, and chip performance.

Highly branched, e.g. star, compositions are being utilized more frequently because they offer higher molecular weights yet they exhibit low viscosity, as compared to the viscosity of conventional acrylic compositions, i.e., acrylic compositions that are not highly branched. These highly branched compositions have, to date, primarily been polyester-based. However, some highly branched acrylic compositions have been developed by complex methods such as Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) and Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization. These methods are complex, and are therefore generally undesirable for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, slow reaction times, poor manufacturability, use of metal or sulfur-containing compounds, and a requirement for post purification of the acrylic composition.

Due to the inadequacies associated with the acrylic polymers of the prior art, especially the highly branched acrylic compositions developed by ATRP and RAFT, it is desirable to provide a novel acrylic composition that is economical and highly-branched. It is also advantageous to provide an acrylic composition, and a curable coating composition including the acrylic composition, that promotes acid etch resistance, enhances recoat adhesion, and is optimized for cross-linking when used in coating compositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The subject invention provides an acrylic composition and a curable coating composition including the acrylic composition. The acrylic composition includes an acrylic polymer. The acrylic polymer includes the reaction product of a functionalized monomer, a first compound reactive with the functionalized monomer to form a functionalized intermediate, and a highly branched, polyfunctional core molecule reactive with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic polymer. The first compound includes vinyl functionality reactive with the functionalized monomer and epoxy functionality. The acrylic polymer is highly-branched and cost-effective, as compared to conventional acrylic polymers that are highly-branched.

The acrylic composition further includes a carboxylic acid carbamate. The carboxylic acid carbamate has carbamate functionality and carboxylic acid functionality that is reactive with the epoxy functionality of the acrylic polymer. Thus, the final acrylic composition includes carbamate functionality.

The curable coating composition includes the acrylic composition and a cross-linking agent that is reactive with the acrylic composition. When used in the curable coating composition, in combination with the cross-linking agent, the acrylic composition produces films, especially clearcoat films, that have optimum scratch, mar, and chip performance, and acid etch resistance. Furthermore, the acrylic compositions enhance recoat adhesion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The acrylic composition of the present invention is preferably used in curable coating compositions and cured film to improve certain properties of the cured film including, but not limited to, acid etch resistance and recoat adhesion. More specifically, the acrylic composition has carbamate functionality that may be cross-linked with a cross-linking agent in the curable coating compositions. As referred to herein, the acrylic composition may include the reaction product of an acrylic polymer and a carboxylic acid carbamate after reaction of those components. The final acrylic composition, formed after the reaction of the aforementioned components, includes carbamate functionality. Alternatively, the acrylic composition may include the acrylic polymer and the carboxylic acid carbamate unreacted. Preferably, the carboxylic acid carbamate includes the reaction product of a carbamate having anhydride-reactive functionality and a carboxylic acid anhydride that is reactive with the anhydride-reactive functionality of the carbamate. Preferably, the anhydride-reactive functionality is at least one of hydroxyl functionality and amino functionality. The carboxylic acid carbamate may be formed any time prior to cross-linking. Thus, in other embodiments, the acrylic composition may include the acrylic polymer, carbamate, and carboxylic acid anhydride prior to reaction between those components, or may include the acrylic polymer and the carbamate or the acrylic polymer and the carboxylic acid anhydride, with the carboxylic acid anhydride or carbamate, respectively, to be added at a later time before cross-linking.

The acrylic polymer is also referred to in the art as a star acrylic polymer or a star polymer having a core and a plurality of functionalized acrylate branches (also referred to as chains, arms, appendages, and the like). Preferably, the acrylic polymer is formed via a free-radical, acrylic polymerization method that is described additionally below. More specifically, the acrylic polymer is the reaction product of a functionalized monomer, a first compound that is reactive with the functionalized monomer to form a functionalized intermediate, and a highly-branched, polyfunctional core molecule reactive with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic polymer. The first compound includes vinyl functionality that is reactive with the monomer. The first compound also includes epoxy functionality that remains unreacted in the acrylic polymer. The highly-branched, polyfunctional core molecule, hereinafter simply referred to as the core molecule, functions as the core of the acrylic polymer. The first compound and the core molecule are described additionally below.

In one embodiment, the functionalized monomer, hereinafter simply referred to as the monomer, includes hydroxyl-reactive functionality and vinyl functionality. The descriptive terminology ‘functionalized’ that precedes the monomers refers to any functionality that can react with the functionality from the core molecule.

The vinyl functionality of the monomer is suitable for stopping chain growth during the free-radical, acrylic polymerization of the first compound. Preferably, the hydroxyl-reactive functionality remains unreacted in the functionalized intermediate, after the polymerization between the monomer and the first compound, and is reactive with the hydroxyl functionality present on the core molecule. For example, the monomer may include an aliphatic isocyanato functionality, which is reactive with hydroxyl functionality and may also be referred to as isocyanate functionality, if the core molecule includes a polyol, which has hydroxyl functionality. One such most preferred monomer is α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate, which has both vinyl functionality and aliphatic isocyanato functionality as the hydroxyl-reactive functionality. α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate is also known in the art as TMI® (Meta) Unsaturated Aliphatic Isocyanate and is commercially available from Cytec Industries. α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate is also referred to in the art as 3-isopropenyl-α,α-dimethylbenzyl isocyanate, and α,α-dimethyl meta-isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate. Furthermore, although less preferred, the ortho and para forms of α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate are also feasible. The α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate has the chain-stopping effect of limiting the number of —NCO functionalities under normal acrylic polymerization conditions. For descriptive purposes, a chemical representation of α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate is disclosed below.

Other suitable examples of hydroxyl-reactive functionality of the monomer may include cyano functionality, carboxylic acid halide functionality, melamine functionality, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the hydroxyl-reactive functionality is replaced with hydroxyl functionality. It is to be appreciated that when the hydroxyl functionality replaces the hydroxyl-reactive functionality, the core molecule has hydroxyl-reactive functionality that will react with the hydroxyl functionality of the monomer. One such preferred monomer is modified TMI that has had the isocyanato functionality replaced by methylol functionality.

Other monomers are suitable for the acrylic composition so long as the monomers are functionalized for subsequent reaction with the core molecule and either have the ability to stop chain growth during the free-radical, acrylic polymerization or have the ability to dissociate for initiating the free-radical, acrylic polymerization with the first compound. Examples of other suitable monomers that have the ability to stop chain growth include, but are not limited to, functionalized styrene (preferably with substituents on the 2 and 6 positions), functionalized vinyltoluene, functionalized α-methylstyrene, functionalized diphenylethylene, functionalized dinapthalenethylene, and combinations thereof. In any event, the monomer is preferably present in the acrylic polymer in an amount of from 1 to 20, more preferably from 3 to 10, parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic polymer.

When the monomer including the vinyl functionality is used, an initiator is used to initiate the free-radical, acrylic polymerization between the monomer and the first compound. As understood by those skilled in the art, a wide variety of initiators may be used. However, it is preferred that the initiator is selected from the group of inorganic persulfates such as ammonium persulfate, (NH₄)₂S₂O₈, potassium persulfate, K₂S₂O₈, and sodium persulfate, Na₂S₂O₈, dialkyl peroxides such as di-tert-butyl peroxide and dicumyl peroxide, hydroperoxides such as cumene hydroperoxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide, peresters such as tert-butyl peroctoate (TBPO), which is also known as tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, tert-butyl perbenzoate, tert-butyl perpivalate, tert-butyl per-3,4,5,-trimethylhexanoate and tert-butyl per-2-ethylhexanoate, azo compounds, and combinations thereof. Suitable azo compounds include, but are not limited to, Vazo® 52, 64, 67 and the like. Vazo® 52, 64, 67 are, respectively, 2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropanenitrile), and 2,2′-azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile). Inorganic peroxodisulfates and ammonium or alkali metal peroxydiphosphates can also be utilized to initiate the free-radical, acrylic polymerization method. Most preferably, the initiator is tert-butyl peroctoate.

In another embodiment, the monomer includes a radical-forming portion instead of the vinyl functionality. The term “radical-forming portion” is defined as any portion of the monomer that is dissociated in the presence of a catalyst, upon the application of heat, or through any other known method for dissociating the monomer. In addition, the monomer includes a functionality that may be hydroxyl functional or hydroxyl-reactive functionality, depending on the functionality of the core molecule that is used. After dissociation of the monomer, the radical-forming portion of the monomer has a free radical.

Preferably, the monomer includes the radical-forming portion, which preferably includes a peroxide, and hydroxyl functionality. The hydroxyl functionality can react with the core molecule that includes hydroxyl-reactive functionality. One such preferred monomer is Cyclonox® E, which is commercially available from Akzo-Nobel. Cyclonox® E is di-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) peroxide, which is of the formula:

Dissociation of the di-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) peroxide results in the oxygen-oxygen bond breaking, leaving two radicalized compounds that each have the free radical on the oxygen atom that was part of the oxygen-oxygen bond prior to dissociation, as shown by the following formula:

where “*” indicates the free radical.

Other monomers that include the radical-forming portion and the hydroxy functionality are also suitable. Examples of such other monomers include, but are not limited to, VA-085 and VA-086, which may be characterized as azo compounds having hydroxyl functionality. VA-085 is of the formula:

and VA-086 is of the formula:

In other embodiments, instead of the hydroxyl functionality, the monomer may include hydroxyl-reactive functionality and the radical forming portion. The hydroxyl-reactive functionality may react with the core molecule that includes hydroxyl functionality. One such suitable monomer may be formed from Vazo 67 by converting the cyano functionality to amino or amido functionality. The amino or amido functionality can then be reacted with an isocyanate or aminoplast, respectively.

As previously stated, the first compound is reactive with the monomer to form the functionalized intermediate. When the monomer including the vinyl functionality is used, the first compound is reactive with the vinyl functionality after the initiator initiates the free-radical, acrylic polymerization. When the monomer including the radical forming portion is used, the first compound is reactive with the radical-forming portion of the monomer. More specifically, it is the vinyl functionality of the first compound that is reactive with either the vinyl functionality of the monomer after initiation or the free radical portion of the monomer after dissociation, depending on the monomer used.

The first compound having the vinyl functionality and the epoxy functionality may be any epoxy functional acrylate or methacrylate. Preferably, the first compound is selected from the group of glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl alkacrylates, and combinations thereof. For descriptive purposes, a chemical representation of glycidyl methacrylate is disclosed below.

As stated above, the vinyl functionality is reactive with the monomer. The epoxy functionality is unreactive with the hydroxyl or hydroxyl-reactive functionality of either the monomer or the core molecule under target reaction conditions. In other words, the epoxy functionality remains unreacted in the acrylic polymer and is present to participate in further reactions, which will be described in further detail below.

The acrylic polymer may further include the reaction product of a second compound that is reactive with the monomer and the first compound to form the functionalized intermediate. The second compound may be included to modify a glass transition temperature T_(g) of the cured film formed from the curable coating composition, which curable coating composition will be described in further detail below. In addition, the second compound may also function to modify the equivalent weight and, therefore, cross-linking density in the cured film. Preferably, the second compound is selected from the group of, but not limited to, acrylates, methacrylates, acrylonitriles, styrenes, alkenes, alkene anhydrides (cyclic or acyclic), and combinations thereof, each of which has vinyl functionality. The second compound may be functionalized or non-functionalized with an additional functionality other than the vinyl functionality. More specifically, the second compound may include additional functionality so long as the additional functionality of the second compound is unreactive with the functionalities of the monomer, the first compound, or the core molecule. Preferably, the second compound is free of functionality other than the vinyl functionality.

In the preferred embodiment, the first compound, and optionally the second compound, is present in a total amount of from 10 to 99, more preferably from 15 to 90, parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic polymer.

Preferably, the acrylic polymer has a molecular weight, M_(W), of 700 to 48,000. For the acrylic polymer having the molecular weight, M_(W), within the above range, the functionalized intermediate disclosed below preferably has a molecular weight, M_(W), of approximately 300 to 12,000, more preferably from 1,000 to 4,000. Of course, higher molecular weights, M_(W), are possible for the functionalized intermediate, but such functionalized intermediates are not ideal for curable coating compositions due to an excessive resultant viscosity in the acrylic composition.

As stated above, the first compound and the monomer react to form the functionalized intermediate. Assuming the monomer is α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate, i.e., the monomer having the hydroxyl-reactive functionality and the vinyl functionality, with the first compound being glycidyl methacrylate, the functionalized intermediate disclosed below is formed, where INIT. represents the initiator and m ranges from 1 to 80, most preferably from 15 to 30.

The functionalized intermediate disclosed above is equivalent to functionalized acrylate branches of the acrylic polymer. That is, this functionalized intermediate functions as the branches for subsequent connection, via condensation, to the core of the acrylic polymer. The functionalized acrylate branches are formed first and the core, i.e., the core molecule, is then condensed with the functionalized acrylate branches.

It is to be understood that the above functionalized intermediate is merely one example of many different functionalized intermediates that can be formed during the reaction to form the acrylic composition, and the subject invention is not necessarily limited to this particular functionalized intermediate and subsequent derivatives thereof. For example, when the monomer is di-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) peroxide, i.e., the monomer having the radical-forming portion and the hydroxyl functionality, and the first compound is glycidyl methacrylate, the functionalized intermediate is formed, where m preferably ranges from 1 to 80, most preferably from 15 to 30. The functionalized intermediate is disclosed below.

where “*” indicates the free radical. The functionalized intermediate may be terminated, at the free radical, through a number of termination reactions such as through proton extraction from a solvent, reaction with another radicalized compound, decomposition to form a double bond at the free radical site, or any combination of those reactions.

Once the functionalized intermediate is formed, the core molecule is introduced to react with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic polymer. The core molecule is selected to provide a functionality that is reactive with the functionality of the monomer that remains unreacted after polymerization with the first compound. As described above, the core molecule is highly branched and is polyfunctional, i.e., has a functionality greater than or equal to 2. For the purposes of this invention, the terminology “highly branched” indicates core molecules that start with a core and branches in at least two, preferably at least three or more, directions. Although extensive branching is not required, it is most preferred that the core molecule, preferably an isocyanate or polyol, is highly branched to achieve desired viscosity benefits.

The core molecules may also be described as branched compounds that have a plurality of functionalities. The functionalities can be primary, secondary, and tertiary functionalities. The core molecule is selected from the group of isocyanates, isocyanurates, melamines, polyols, polycarboxylic acid halides, and combinations thereof, with the core molecule reactive with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic polymer. However, other potential core molecules could be different than those mentioned above and could provide a functionality other than those described above. For example, the core molecule may also be a melamine-formaldehyde resin. Preferred core molecules when the functionalized intermediate has the hydroxyl-reactive functionality, i.e., wherein the monomer is the α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate having the aliphatic isocyanato functionality, include polyols that are reactive with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic polymer. Preferably, the polyols are selected from the group of glycerol, propylene glycol, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, dulcitol, threitol, and combinations thereof. For descriptive purposes, a chemical representation of pentaerythritol is disclosed below.

Preferred core molecules for reacting with the functionalized intermediate that has the hydroxyl functionality, i.e. wherein the monomer is the peroxide having the hydroxyl functionality, include isocyanates, isocyanurates, melamines, carboxylic acid halides, and combinations thereof that are reactive with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic polymer. Most preferred core molecules for reacting with the functionalized intermediate that has the hydroxyl functionality include isocyanates. Preferably, the isocyanates are selected from the group of trimethylol propane carbamate with tolylene diisocyanate, pentaerythritol carbamate with tolylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. Other preferred isocyanates include Desmodur® or Mondur® polyisocyanate commercially available from Mobay Corporation of Pittsburgh, Pa. For descriptive purposes, a chemical representation of pentaerythritol carbamate with tolylene diisocyanate is disclosed below.

The core molecule is condensed with the functionalized intermediate, i.e., with the functionalized acrylate branches. More specifically, the core molecule is reacted with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic polymer. Success of the condensation of the core molecule and the functionalized intermediate depends on the observation that when the monomer is used to polymerize the first compound, each one of the polymer strands formed will have one and only one functionality originating from the monomer in most cases.

The amount of the core molecule present in the reaction must be balanced with the amount of the functionalized intermediate, i.e., functionalized acrylate branches, that is formed via the reaction of the monomer, the first compound, and, optionally, the second compound. To this end, it is preferred that the molar ratio of the core molecule to the functionalized intermediate is from 1:20 to 1:1, more preferably from 1:10 to 1:3. The core molecule establishes a foundation for the acrylic polymer. Preferably, the core molecule is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 20, more preferably from 0.5 to 10, and most preferably from 0.5 to 1.5, parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic polymer.

When the monomer is α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate, the first compound is glycidyl methacrylate, the second compound is not present, and the core molecule is pentaerythritol, the acrylic polymer is disclosed below, where INIT. represents the initiator and m ranges from 1 to 80, most preferably from 15 to 30.

When the monomer is di-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) peroxide, the first compound is glycidyl methacrylate, and the core molecule is pentaerythritol carbamate with tolylene diisocyanate, the acrylic polymer is disclosed below, where m ranges from 1 to 80, most preferably from 15 to 30, and the “*” indicates the free radical, which may be terminated as described above.

Preferably, the acrylic polymer is present in the acrylic composition in an amount of from 10 to 80 parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic composition, more preferably from 30 to 60 parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic composition.

As alluded to above, the carboxylic acid carbamate is preferably formed from the carbamate and/or the carboxylic acid anhydride. However, it is to be appreciated that any carboxylic acid carbamate may be suitable for the subject invention, and may be formed from components other than the carbamate and the carboxylic acid anhydride. For example, in another embodiment, the carboxylic acid carbamate may include the reaction product of acid monomers, such as acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and propyl carbamate esters of those acid monomers.

The acrylic polymer, carbamate, and carboxylic acid anhydride are combined together and reacted by heating to a temperature of about 130° C. The anhydride-reactive functionality of the carbamate and the anhydride react. The acrylic composition may be combined with the cross-linking agent that is reactive with the acrylic composition to form the curable coating composition.

In one embodiment, the carbamate has hydroxyl functionality and carbamate functionality. The carbamate may be described as a hydroxyalkyl carbamate. The hydroxyalkyl carbamate has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. If the carbamate is the hydroxyalkyl carbamate, then it is preferably selected from the group of hydroxymethyl carbamate, hydroxyethyl carbamate, hydroxypropyl carbamate, hydroxybutyl carbamate, and combinations thereof. In general, hydroxyalkyl carbamates that are suitable for use as the carbamate in the present invention are compounds that include the general structure

where R₁ is CH₂OH and R₂ is an alkyl or ester having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Alternatively, R₁ is H and R₂ is

where R₃ is an alkyl or ester having from 1. to 20 carbon atoms.

Preferably, the carbamate is hydroxypropyl carbamate. The hydroxypropyl carbamate may include a combination of hydroxypropyl carbamate having a primary hydroxyl functionality and hydroxypropyl carbamate having a secondary hydroxyl functionality. For descriptive purposes, chemical representations of hydroxypropyl carbamate with the primary hydroxyl functionality and hydroxypropyl carbamate with the secondary hydroxyl functionality are respectively disclosed below.

Generally, hydroxyalkyl carbamates are prepared from a compound having an oxirane group. For example, hydroxypropyl carbamate is prepared from propylene oxide, which is first reacted with CO₂ to form propylene carbonate. Reaction of propylene carbonate with ammonia produces hydroxypropyl carbamate. Thus, the hydroxyalkyl carbamate can be prepared from any compound containing an oxirane group. An additional compound having an oxirane group that is particularly useful is glycidylneodecanoate which is commercially available from Miller-Stephenson Chemical Company, Inc. under its CARDURA® product line, as CARDURA E 10S. Bulky side groups on the hydroxyalkyl carbamates tend to produce lower resin viscosities.

It is to be appreciated that other compounds having a plurality of hydroxyl functionalities and/or a plurality of carbamate functionalities may also be utilized as the carbamate. For instance, a dihydroxyalkyl carbamate, such as dihydroxybutyl carbamate, may be utilized as the carbamate. In addition, as alluded to above, the hydroxyl functionality of the carbamate may be replaced with amino functionality or any other anhydride-reactive functionality.

The carbamate is present in the acrylic composition in an amount from 1 to 50, preferably from 10 to 30, parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic composition.

The carboxylic acid anhydride is reactive with the anhydride-reactive functionality of the carbamate to form the carboxylic acid carbamate having the carbamate functionality and carboxylic acid functionality. The carbamate and the carboxylic acid anhydride may be reacted in the presence of the acrylic polymer or, alternatively, prior to combining with the acrylic polymer. The resulting carboxylic acid carbamate is reactive with the acrylic polymer.

The carboxylic acid anhydride may be either an aromatic or non-aromatic cyclic anhydride. Suitable carboxylic acid anhydrides that are suitable for the subject invention are selected from the group of maleic anhydride, hexahydrophthalic anhydride, methyl-hexahydrophthalic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, succinic anhydride, dodecenylsuccinic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the carboxylic acid anhydride is hexahydrophthalic anhydride. For descriptive purposes, a chemical representation of hexahydrophthalic anhydride is disclosed below.

The carboxylic acid anhydride provides an acid functionality. That is, the carboxylic acid functionality in the carboxylic acid carbamate originates in the carboxylic acid anhydride.

The carboxylic acid anhydride is present in an amount from 1 to 60, preferably from 10 to 40, and most preferably from 15 to 30, parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic composition. Also, the effective equivalents of the carbamate to the carboxylic acid anhydride are from 0.5:3 to 3:0.5. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the molar ratio of the carbamate, i.e., hydroxypropyl carbamate, to the carboxylic acid anhydride, i.e., hexahydrophthalic anhydride, is 1:1. For descriptive purposes, a chemical representation of the carboxylic acid carbamate formed by the reaction of one mole of hydroxypropyl carbamate and one mole of hexahydrophthalic anhydride is disclosed below. The carboxylic acid carbamate that is formed by the reaction of hydroxypropyl carbamate having the primary hydroxyl functionality is disclosed first.

Next, the carboxylic acid carbamate that is formed by the reaction of hydroxypropyl carbamate having the secondary hydroxyl functionality is disclosed.

As disclosed above, either of the above carboxylic acid carbamates, formed with the preferred reactants, has one carboxylic acid functionality and one carbamate functionality. The preferred carboxylic acid carbamate is typically a combination of the two structures disclosed above. The carboxylic acid functionality of the carboxylic acid carbamate is formed when the anhydride ring of the hexahydrophthalic anhydride opens and forms ester linkages with the hydroxyl functionality of the hydroxypropyl carbamate. The hydrogen atom from the hydroxyl functionality of the hydroxypropyl carbamate and the oxygen atom originally from the anhydride ring react to form the carboxylic acid functionality.

The chemical representations of the carboxylic acid carbamate that are disclosed above are merely illustrative of the subject invention. The carboxylic acid carbamate disclosed above has one carboxylic acid functionality and one carbamate functionality that are derived from the structures of the carbamate, preferably hydroxypropyl carbamate, and from the carboxylic acid anhydride, preferably hexahydrophthalic anhydride. It is to be understood that if alternative compounds are selected for the carbamate and for the carboxylic acid anhydride, then the carboxylic acid carbamate may be different than that which is disclosed above, and may have multiple carboxylic acid functionalities and multiple hydroxyl functionalities.

The carboxylic acid functionality of the carboxylic acid carbamate is reactive with the epoxy functionality of the acrylic polymer. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the carbamate includes hydroxypropyl carbamate, the carboxylic acid anhydride includes hexahydrophthalic anhydride, and the acrylic polymer is either of the two structures shown above that are the reaction product of either α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate, glycidyl methacrylate, and pentaerythritol, or the reaction product of di-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) peroxide, glycidyl methacrylate, and pentaerythritol carbamate with tolylene diisocyanate. However, it is to be appreciated that other acrylic polymers may also be suitable for the subject invention. For descriptive purposes, a chemical representation of a portion of the acrylic compositions described above is shown below.

As illustrated, the carboxylic acid functionality of the carboxylic acid carbamate has reacted with the epoxy functionality of the acrylic polymer through a ring-opening reaction, which results in the formation of the hydroxyl functionality and the attachment of the carboxylic acid carbamate to the acrylic polymer, thus imparting the carbamate functionality to acrylic polymer. The above chemical representation is valid for either of the two preferred embodiments as described above, wherein the “Acrylic Polymer” label corresponds to the structure of the respective embodiment of the acrylic polymer, R corresponds to either the initiator or the free radical, depending on the monomer that is used, and m is from 1 to 80, most preferably from 15 to 30.

As alluded to above, the curable coating composition that includes the acrylic composition also includes the cross-linking agent that is reactive with the acrylic composition. Preferably, the cross-linking agent is reactive with the carbamate functionality of the acrylic composition. Additionally, the cross-linking agent may be reactive with hydroxyl functionality that is formed as a result of the reaction between the epoxy functionality of the acrylic polymer and the carboxylic acid functionality of the carboxylic acid carbamate. Suitable cross-linking agents are selected from the group of, but are not limited to, polyisocyanates, polyisocyanurates, melamine-formaldehyde resins, polycarboxylic acid halides, and combinations thereof. Also suitable for the cross-linking agent are aminoplast resins that are reactive with the carbamate functionality. As understood by those skilled in the art, an aminoplast resin is formed by the reaction product of a formaldehyde and an amine where the preferred amine is a urea or a melamine. In other words, the aminoplast resin may include urea resins and melamine-formaldehyde resins. The melamine-formaldehyde resins of the preferred embodiment include either methylol functionality, alkoxymethyl functionality, or both. The alkoxymethyl functionality is of the general formula —CH₂OR₁, where R₁ is an alkyl chain having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. As understood by those skilled in the art, the methylol functionality and the alkoxymethyl functionality are reactive with the carbamate functionality of the acrylic composition. The methylol and alkoxymethyl functionalities are preferentially reactive with the carbamate functionality, as opposed to any hydroxyl functionality, to ‘cross-link’ the curable coating composition upon cure. Examples of suitable aminoplast resins include, but are not limited to, monomeric or polymeric melamine-formaldehyde resins, including melamine resins that are partially or fully alkylated using alcohols that preferably have one to six, more preferably one to four, carbon atoms, such as hexamethoxy methylated melamine; urea formaldehyde resins including methylol ureas and siloxy ureas such as butylated urea formaldehyde resin, alkylated benzoguanimines, guanyl ureas, guanidines, biguanidines, polyguanidines, and the like. Although urea and melamine are the preferred amines, other amines such as triazines, triazoles, diazines, guanidines, or guanamines may also be used to prepare the aminoplast resins. Furthermore, although formaldehyde is preferred for forming the aminoplast resin, other aldehydes, such as acetaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, and benzaldehyde, may also be used.

Monomeric melamine-formaldehyde resins are particularly preferred. The preferred melamine-formaldehyde resin includes hexamethoxymethyl melamine (HMMM). HMMM is commercially available from Solutia under its Resimene Amino Crosslinker Resins. HMMM is shown in the following chemical representation.

Upon addition of the cross-linking agent to the acrylic composition, the alkoxymethyl functionality of the HMMM, specifically the CH₂OCH₃ group, and the carbamate functionality of the acrylic polymer react to establish urethane (—NH—CO—O—) linkages. The urethane linkage between the acrylic composition and the cross-linking agent is from the carbamate—melamine reaction and is ideal for resistance to environmental acid etch.

Because the acrylic composition of the present invention has terminal carbamate functionality and because the aminoplast is reactive with the carbamate functionality, ether linkages which result from a hydroxyl functionality-aminoplast cure, and which are particularly susceptible to acid etch, can be avoided as the primary cross-linking mechanism. To accomplish this, the amount of the cross-linking agent, i.e., the aminoplast resin in the preferred embodiment, is limited so that the cross-linking agent reacts only with the available carbamate functionality in the acrylic composition. That is, in the preferred embodiment, the aminoplast cross-linking agent reacts preferably with available carbamate functionality before any substantial reaction with the hydroxyl functionality that is present in the acrylic composition. It is therefore possible to control the amount of undesirable ether linkages that are formed when cross-linking the acrylic composition and the cross-linking agent. The amount of cross-linking agent can be increased if cross-linking with the hydroxyl functionality is desired for whatever reason.

Although not necessarily preferred, an alternative cross-linking agent for use in the subject invention is the polyisocyanate cross-linking agent. The most preferred polyisocyanate cross-linking agent is a triisocyanurate. The polyisocyanate cross-linking agent can be an aliphatic polyisocyanate, including a cycloaliphatic polyisocyanate, or an aromatic polyisocyanate. The term “polyisocyanate” as used herein refers to any compound having a plurality of isocyanato functionalities on average per molecule. Polyisocyanates encompass, for example, monomeric polyisocyanates including monomeric diisocyanates, biurets and isocyanurates of monomeric polyisocyanates, extended poly-functional isocyanates formed by reacting one mole of a diol with two moles of a diisocyanate or mole of a triol with three moles of a diisocyanate, and the like. Useful examples of suitable polyisocyanates cross-linking agents include, without limitation, ethylene diisocyanate, 1,2-diisocyanatopropane, 1,3-diisocyanatopropane, 1,4-butylene diisocyanate, lysine diisocyanate, 1,4-methylene bis (cyclohexyl isocyanate), isophorone diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, the isocyanurate of toluene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane 4,4′-diisocyanate, the isocyanurate of diphenylmethane 4,4′-diisocyanate, methylenebis-4,4′-isocyanatocyclohexane, isophorone diisocyanate, the isocyanurate of isophorone diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, the isocyanurate of 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate, triphenylmethane 4,4′,4″-triisocyanate, tetramethyl xylene diisocyanate, metaxylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof Aliphatic polyisocyanates are preferred when the curable coating composition is used as an automotive topcoat composition.

Generally, the acrylic composition is present in an amount from 65 to 90, preferably from 75 to 90, parts by weight based on the total weight of the curable coating composition, and the cross-linking agent is present in an amount from 1 to 35, preferably from 5 to 25, and most preferably from 7 to 15, parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the curable coating composition. The ratio of effective equivalents of the acrylic composition to the cross-linking agent is from 3:1 to 1:3.

The curable coating composition may also include one additive or a combination of additives. Such additives include, but are not limited to, solvents, catalysts, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALs), ultra-violet absorbers (UVAs), rheology control agents, anti-yellowing agents, adhesion promoting agents, and the like. Specific examples of some of the above additives include n-methyl pyrrolidone and oxo-hexyl acetate as solvents to affect such characteristics as pop and sag resistance, and polybutyl acrylate, fumed silica, and silicone as rheology control agents.

A method of preparing the acrylic composition may include the steps of reacting the monomer with the first compound to form the functionalized intermediate, and reacting the highly branched, polyfunctional core molecule with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic polymer. The carbamate having the anhydride-reactive functionality and the carbamate functionality is reacted with the carboxylic acid anhydride to form the carboxylic acid carbamate having the carbamate functionality and carboxylic acid functionality. The carbamate and the carboxylic acid anhydride may be reacted either in the presence or the absence of the acrylic polymer. Once formed, the carboxylic acid carbamate is reacted with the epoxy functionality of the acrylic polymer to form the acrylic composition having the carbamate functionality.

The following examples illustrating the formation of and the use of the acrylic composition of the present invention, as presented herein, are intended to illustrate and not limit the invention.

EXAMPLES

In the Examples, Acrylic Polymer A was prepared by adding and reacting the following components, in parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic composition, unless otherwise indicated. TABLE 1 Reactant FUNCTIONALIZED MONOMER 4.90 α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate FIRST COMPOUND 19.62 glycidyl methacrylate SECOND COMPOUND A 49.05 methyl methacrylate SECOND COMPOUND B 24.52 n-butyl acrylate INITIATOR 0.98 tert-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate (TBPO) CORE MOLECULE A 0.93 pentaerythritol TOTAL 100.0 NCO of Functionalized Intermediate, % 1.25 Number Average Molecular Weight (M_(n)) of 1970 Functionalized Intermediate, g/mol Weight Average Molecular Weight (M_(w)) of 3370 Functionalized Intermediate, g/mol Polydispersity Index of Functionalized 1.7 Intermediate Number Average Molecular Weight (M_(n)) of 2370 Acrylic Polymer A, g/mol Weight Average Molecular Weight (M_(n)) of 5580 Acrylic Polymer A, g/mol Polydispersity Index of Acrylic Polymer A 2.4

To form Acrylic Polymer A, 75.0 grams of Solvesso® 100 aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (also referred to as Aromatic 100) were added into a reactor, and the reactor was heated via a conventional heat supply to a temperature of 150° C. Once the reactor reached 150° C., a mixture of the Functionalized Monomer, First Compound, Second Compound A, Second Compound B, and the Initiator were added to the reactor over approximately 3 hours to form the functionalized intermediate.

Once the functionalized intermediate was formed, the temperature was lowered until the temperature of the functionalized intermediate reached approximately 100-110° C. Then, the Core Molecule A was added to the reactor along with an additional 11 grams of Solvesso® 100 aromatic hydrocarbon solvent. A drop of dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) catalyst was added. The reaction was maintained at 100° C. until % NCO measured to be less than 0.1 meq on solids.

Acrylic Polymer B will be prepared by adding and reacting the following components, in parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic composition, unless otherwise indicated. TABLE 2 Reactant FUNCTIONALIZED MONOMER B 9.17 di-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) peroxide FIRST COMPOUND 27.51 glycidyl methacrylate SECOND COMPOUND C 18.34 Styrene SECOND COMPOUND D 36.68 Cyclohexyl methacrylate CORE MOLECULE B 8.30 pentaerythritol carbamate with tolylene diisocyanate TOTAL 100.0 Theoretical OH, % 0.38 Theoretical Number Average Molecular Weight (M_(n)) of 2800 Functionalized Intermediate, g/mol Theoretical Weight Average Molecular Weight (M_(w)) of 4950 Functionalized Intermediate, g/mol Theoretical Polydispersity Index of Functionalized 1.8 Intermediate Theoretical Number Average Molecular Weight (M_(n)) of 2370 Acrylic Polymer B, g/mol Theoretical Weight Average Molecular Weight (M_(w)) of 7180 Acrylic Polymer B, g/mol Theoretical Polydispersity Index of Acrylic Polymer B 3.0

To form the acrylic polymer, 75.0 grams of Solvesso® 100 aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (also referred to as Aromatic 100) would be added into a reactor, and the reactor would be heated via a conventional heat supply to a temperature of 121° C. Once the reactor reached 121° C., a mixture of the Functionalized Monomer, First Compound, Second Compound A, and Second Compound B according to Table 2 would be added to the reactor over approximately 3 hours to form the functionalized intermediate.

Once the functionalized intermediate is formed, the temperature will be lowered until the temperature of the functionalized intermediate reaches approximately 100-110° C. Then, the Core Molecule will be added to the reactor along with an additional 11 grams of Solvesso® 100 aromatic hydrocarbon solvent. A drop of DBTDL catalyst will also be added and the reaction will be maintained at 100° C. until % NCO measures to be less than 0.02 meq on solids.

Acrylic Composition A is prepared, and Acrylic Composition B would be prepared, by adding and reacting the following components, in parts by weight based on the total weight of the acrylic composition, unless otherwise indicated. TABLE 3 Acrylic Acrylic Reactant Composition A Composition B CARBAMATE 12.23 13.63 hydroxypropyl carbamate [HPC] CARBOXYLIC ACID ANHYDRIDE 15.83 17.64 hexahydrophthalic anhydride [HHPA] ACRYLIC POLYMER A 71.94 None α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate + glycidyl methacrylate + pentaerythritol ACRYLIC POLYMER B None 68.73 di-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) peroxide + glycidyl methacrylate + pentaerythritol carbamate with tolylene diisocyanate TOTAL 100.0 100.0 toluene solvent, g 50 50 isobutanol solvent, g 10 10 amyl acetate solvent, g 30 30

Per the above Table 3, 23.8 grams of HPC, 30.8 grams of HHPA, and 20 grams of amyl acetate were added in a reaction flask. The reaction flask, including the HPC and the HHPA, was heated with a conventional heat supply to a temperature of approximately 110° C. to form the carboxylic acid carbamate. In this example, the reaction to form the carboxylic acid carbamate took approximately 8 hours. After IR Spectroscopy verification to confirm that most (>95%) of the HHPA was reacted, 140 grams of Acrylic Polymer A and 50 grams of toluene were charged to the reaction flask. Alternatively, when making Acrylic Composition B, 120 grams of Acrylic Polymer B would be charged at this point instead of Acrylic Polymer A. The contents of the reaction flask were heated and maintained within a temperature range of from 140 to 150° C. IR Spectroscopy verified that all of the epoxy functionality (from the Acrylic Polymer A) had reacted, i.e., the absence of an epoxide peak, the reaction mixture was cooled to approximately 60 to 65° C., and 10 grams of amyl acetate and 10 grams of isobutanol were added to fully disperse the Acrylic Polymer A. The Acrylic Polymer A reacted with the reaction mixture having the HPC and the HHPA within 2 hour(s). The Acrylic Composition A had a non-volatile % of from 40 to 50% by weight. The final Acrylic Composition has carbamate functionality and, optionally, hydroxyl functionality, which will be available for reaction with various cross-linking agents, which have been set forth above, for coating purposes.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. 

1. An acrylic composition comprising the reaction product of: A) an acrylic polymer comprising the reaction product of; i) a functionalized monomer; ii) a first compound reactive with said functionalized monomer to form a functionalized intermediate, said first compound comprising vinyl functionality reactive with said functionalized monomer and epoxy functionality; and iii) a highly branched, polyfunctional core molecule reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer; and B) a carboxylic acid carbamate having carbamate functionality and carboxylic acid functionality that is reactive with said epoxy functionality of said acrylic polymer to form said acrylic composition.
 2. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carboxylic acid carbamate comprises the reaction product of a carbamate having anhydride-reactive functionality and a carboxylic acid anhydride reactive with said anhydride-reactive functionality of said carbamate.
 3. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 2 wherein said anhydride-reactive functionality is further defined as at least one of hydroxyl functionality and amino functionality.
 4. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 2 wherein said carboxylic acid anhydride is selected from the group of maleic anhydride, hexahydrophthalic anhydride, methyl-hexahydrophthalic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, succinic anhydride, dodecenylsuccinic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, and combinations thereof.
 5. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 2 wherein the ratio of effective equivalents of said carbamate to said carboxylic acid anhydride is from 0.5:3 to 3:0.5.
 6. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 1 wherein said functionalized monomer comprises hydroxyl-reactive functionality and vinyl functionality.
 7. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first compound is selected from the group of glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl alkacrylates, and combinations thereof.
 8. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 6 wherein said core molecule comprises a polyol reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer.
 9. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 8 wherein said polyol is selected from the group of glycerol, propylene glycol, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, dulcitol, threitol, and combinations thereof.
 10. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 6 wherein said acrylic polymer further comprises the reaction product of an initiator selected from the group of inorganic persulfates, dialkyl peroxides, hydroperoxides, peresters, azo compounds, and combinations thereof.
 11. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 1 wherein said functionalized monomer comprises hydroxyl functionality and vinyl functionality.
 12. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 11 wherein said core molecule is selected from the group of isocyanates, isocyanurates, melamines, carboxylic acid halides, and combinations thereof with said core molecule reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer.
 13. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 1 wherein said functionalized monomer comprises a radical-forming portion and hydroxyl functionality.
 14. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 13 wherein said first compound is selected from the group of glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl alkacrylates, and combinations thereof.
 15. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 13 wherein said core molecule is selected from the group of isocyanates, isocyanurates, melamines, carboxylic acid halides, and combinations thereof with said core molecule reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer.
 16. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 1 wherein said functionalized monomer comprises a radical-forming portion and hydroxyl-reactive functionality.
 17. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 16 wherein said first compound is selected from the group of glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl alkacrylates, and combinations thereof.
 18. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 16 wherein said core molecule comprises a polyol reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer.
 19. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 1 wherein said acrylic polymer further comprises the reaction product of a second compound comprising vinyl functionality and reactive with said functionalized monomer and said first compound to form said functionalized intermediate.
 20. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 19 wherein said second compound is selected from the group of acrylates, methacrylates, acrylonitriles, styrenes, alkemes, cyclic alkene anhydrides, acyclic alkene anhydrides, and combinations thereof.
 21. A curable coating composition comprising: (A) an acrylic composition comprising the reaction product of; i) an acrylic polymer comprising the reaction product of; a) a functionalized monomer; b) a first compound reactive with said functionalized monomer to form a functionalized intermediate, said first compound comprising vinyl functionality reactive with said functionalized monomer and epoxy functionality; and c) a highly branched, polyfunctional core molecule reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer; and ii) a carboxylic acid carbamate having said carbamate functionality and carboxylic acid functionality that is reactive with said epoxy functionality of said acrylic polymer; and (B) a cross-linking agent reactive with said acrylic composition.
 22. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 21 wherein said carboxylic acid carbamate comprises the reaction product of a carbamate having anhydride-reactive functionality and carbamate functionality and a carboxylic acid anhydride reactive with said anhydride-reactive functionality of said carbamate.
 23. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 22 wherein said carboxylic acid anhydride is selected from the group of maleic anhydride, hexahydrophthalic anhydride, methyl-hexahydrophthalic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, succinic anhydride, dodecenylsuccinic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, and combinations thereof.
 24. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 21 wherein said first compound is selected from the group of glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl alkacrylates, and combinations thereof.
 25. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 24 wherein said functionalized monomer comprises α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate.
 26. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 25 wherein said core molecule is selected from the group of glycerol, propylene glycol, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, dulcitol, threitol, and combinations thereof with said core molecule reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer.
 27. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 24 wherein said functionalized monomer comprises di-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) peroxide.
 28. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 27 wherein said core molecule is selected from the group of isocyanates, isocyanurates, melamines, carboxylic acid halides, and combinations thereof with said core molecule reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer.
 29. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 21 wherein said cross-linking agent is selected from the group of polyisocyanates, polyisocyanurates, melamine-formaldehyde resins, polycarboxylic acid halides, and combinations thereof.
 30. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 21 wherein said cross-linking agent comprises an aminoplast resin reactive with said carbamate functionality.
 31. A curable coating composition as set forth in claim 21 wherein the ratio of effective equivalents of said acrylic composition to said cross-linking agent is from 3:1 to 1:3.
 32. An acrylic composition comprising: A) an acrylic polymer comprising the reaction product of: i) a functionalized monomer; ii) a first compound reactive with said functionalized monomer to form a functionalized intermediate, said first compound comprising vinyl functionality reactive with said functionalized monomer and epoxy functionality; and iii) a highly branched, polyfunctional core molecule reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer; and B) a carbamate having anhydride-reactive functionality and carbamate functionality.
 33. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 32 further comprising a carboxylic acid anhydride reactive with said anhydride-reactive functionality of said carbamate to form a carboxylic acid carbamate having said carbamate functionality and carboxylic acid functionality that is reactive with said epoxy functionality of said acrylic polymer.
 34. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 33 wherein said functionalized monomer comprises α,α-dimethyl isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate, said first compound comprises glycidyl acrylate or glycidyl methacrylate, said core molecule comprises pentaerythritol, said carbamate comprises hydroxypropyl carbamate, and said carboxylic acid anhydride comprises hexahydrophthalic anhydride.
 35. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 33 wherein said functionalized monomer comprises di-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) peroxide, said first compound comprises glycidyl acrylate or glycidyl methacrylate, said core molecule comprises trimethylol propane carbamate with tolylene diisocyanate or pentaerythritol carbamate with tolylene diisocyanate, said carbamate comprises hydroxypropyl carbamate, and said carboxylic acid anhydride comprises hexahydrophthalic anhydride.
 36. An acrylic composition comprising: A) an acrylic polymer comprising the reaction product of: i) a functionalized monomer; ii) a first compound reactive with said functionalized monomer to form a functionalized intermediate, said first compound comprising vinyl functionality reactive with said functionalized monomer and epoxy functionality; and iii) a highly branched, polyfunctional core molecule reactive with said functionalized intermediate to form said acrylic polymer; and B) a carboxylic acid anhydride.
 37. An acrylic composition as set forth in claim 36 wherein said carboxylic acid anhydride is selected from the group of maleic anhydride, hexahydrophthalic anhydride, methyl-hexahydrophthalic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, succinic anhydride, dodecenylsuccinic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, and combinations thereof. 